Sale: CNG 76, Lot: 1546. Closing Date: Wednesday, 12 September 2007. 	Estimate $25000 Sold For $29500

Elagabalus. AD 218-222. AV Aureus (6.33 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 220-221. 

Obv: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, Laureate and cuirassed bust right 
Rev: CONSERVATOR AVG, Slow quadriga left drawing the Stone of Emesa surmounted 
 by an eagle; star above. 

RIC IV 61; Thirion 244; Calicó 2987a (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 198. EF.

At the age of fourteen, Varius Avitus Bassianus (Elagabalus) inherited the 
office of high priest of the sun-god Elagabalus at Emesa in Syria. The cult of 
his sun god was represented by a sacred stone, and in AD 219 when he moved 
from Emesa to Rome, he took the stone, probably a meteorite, with him. 
This coin type commemorates this event. During his reign, Elagabalus devoted 
his efforts to the promotion of his cult god, building a lavish temple to 
house the stone.


From the CNG Mail Bid Sale 76.
By permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com.